Red-Tape and Pigeon-Hole Generals

William H. Armstrongs book Red-Tape and Pigeon-Hole Generals: As Seen from the Ranks During a Campaign in the Army of the Potomac offers a unique and critical perspective on the American Civil War. As the title character is so indulgent readers are forced to keep reading to find out what happens next. The book is a harsh and informative analysis of the hardships faced by enlisted troops on the front lines based on Armstrongs personal experiences as a soldier. Armstrongs narrative voice emerges in the midst of the fight as he recalls the frustrations and injustices faced by soldiers in the Army of the Potomac. The title relates to the inefficiencies and bureaucracy that frequently impeded effective military command. Through the eyes of a soldier Armstrong highlights the separation between high-ranking officers and soldiers in the trenches emphasizing the negative impact of decisions made by distant leaders. Red-Tape and Pigeon-Hole Generals delivers a scathing assessment of the military system and its impact on the lives of those who fought by blending personal narratives with historical background.